奇异恩典

昨天重看2007年拍的[奇异恩典]，讲的是威廉-韦伯佛斯和他领导的英国废奴运动。其中约翰-牛顿的“奇异恩典”一歌被用来贯穿故事的发展。记得第一次听到“奇异恩典”是91年第一次来美国时。时值圣诞节期，在洛杉矶的大街上，街上临时搭起的露天舞台上，一位女高音在唱一支动人心弦的歌。当时并不知道这歌的名字，只是觉得好听。后来才知道这就是著名的“奇异恩典”；更后来，信主之后才知道这首歌的作者曾是个奴隶贩子，他的得救经历让他写出了这首被广为传唱的诗歌。

每次唱这首歌，最触动我心的是这句, "How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed."

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far and
Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.